Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CONFINED

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to the hazard of the inhalation of excessive airborne levels of trichloroethylene possibly leading to unconsciousness and death: a) Detrex Degreaser Area; Maintenance employees were allowed to enter a 28' long x 10' wide degreaser tank which contained trichloroethylene via a 19" x 19" opening without respiratory protection and atmospheric testing. NOTE: Correct procedures for confined entry were followed on 5/25/91 as observed by the CSHO. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to implement a confined space entry procedure which includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1. Posting written confined space entry procedures adjacent to degreaser tank. 2. Use of atmospheric testing device to determine air concentrations of trichloroethylene prior to entry into the degreaser. 3. Use of a permit system to assure safe entry. 4. Use of mechanically induced ventilation prior to entry and during occupancy of degreasing tank. 5. Use of respiratory protection adequate for exposure to trichloroethylene. 6. Provision for a standby observer outside the degreaser, available with emergency equipment. 7. Implementation of lockout/tagout procedures. 8. Implementation of periodic training sessions relative to confined space entry, rescue and first aid procedures. Violation observed on or about 2/19/91